would

 
Pronunciation: /wʊd, wəd/

modal verb (3rd singular present would)

  • 1past of will1, in various senses he said he would be away for a couple of days she wouldn’t leave the windows would not close
  • 2(expressing the conditional mood) indicating the consequence of an imagined event or situation: he would lose his job if he were identified
  • (I would) used to give advice: I wouldn’t drink that if I were you
  • 3expressing a desire or inclination: I would love to work in America would you like some water?
  • 4expressing a polite request: would you pour the wine, please?
  • expressing willingness or consent: who would live here?
  • 5expressing a conjecture, opinion, or hope: I would imagine that they’re home by now I guess some people would consider it brutal I would have to agree
  • 6chiefly ironic used to make a comment about behaviour that is typical: they would say that, wouldn’t they?
  • 7 [with clause] literary expressing a wish or regret: would that he had lived to finish it

Origin:

Old English wolde, past of wyllan (see will1)

On the differences in use between would and should, see should (usage)For a discussion of the use of would of instead of would have, see have (usage).